Time for a New Toothbrush? Is Electric Better?

While both powered and electric toothbrushes can properly clean your teeth, there are some compelling reasons to choose an electric toothbrush over a manual. For one, electric toothbrushes can clean difficult to reach areas of the mouth with greater ease than a manual (your back molars and the gum lining, for example). Children often find that brushing with a powered toothbrush is more fun and less of a chore. People in general often find a powered toothbrush easier to use and more comfortable. Technique may also be a factor in your decision to use an electric tooth brush. The tendency in many people is to actually brush too hard (the assumption being ‘if I bush harder I won’t have to brush as long). This is a bad idea, because using too much pressure when brushing erodes the enamel on your teeth and can damage your gums. In many cases the gum tissue and enamel will not recover. An electric toothbrush requires little to no pressure to use, and many come with a flexible head that further prevents too much pressure being applied. Powered toothbrushes also often feature a timer, so you know how long you should be brushing for.

If you hang on to a powered toothbrush for a long enough period of time, you will also reduce the amount of plastic being put into landfills. Electric toothbrushes typically have replaceable heads, which use less plastic and are often cheaper to buy than a new toothbrush.

Another important factor to consider when replacing your toothbrush is whether or not the new brush has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). From their website:

Why look for toothbrush brands that display the ADA Seal?

The Seal assures you that the product has been evaluated by an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, for safety and effectiveness according to objective guidelines. Look for the ADA box statement on the product label. It tells you what claims the ADA has reviewed and accepted. Products with the prestigious ADA Seal must say what they do and do what they say.

– via the American Dental Association

Regardless of whether you choose an electric or manual toothbrush, you should select one that you are comfortable with and fits into the hard to reach places of your mouth well. If the bristles of your toothbrush are falling out or bent, or you’ve been using it for a few months, you should replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head.

For more information about toothbrushes we recommend, contact Hover Dental Group in Longmont today!